On July 23, 2012, Analog Devices Inc. introduced the industry’s first octal (eight-channel) ultrasound receiver with on-chip digital I/Q demodulation and decimation filtering. Because of the embedded demodulation and decimation feature, ADI’s AD9670 is the first ultrasound receiver able to condition eight channels of data from RF to a baseband frequency, reducing the processing load on the system FPGA (field-programmable gate array) by at least 50 percent compared to other receivers. The AD9670 also integrates a low-noise amplifier, variable gain amplifier, anti-aliasing filter, and a 14-bit, A/D converter with the industry’s highest sample rate (125 MSPS) and best SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) performance (75 dB) for enhanced ultrasound image quality. The new octal receiver is the latest addition to Analog Devices’ award-winning ultrasound receiver portfolio and is designed for mid- to high-end portable and cart-based ultrasound systems.

By introducing the first octal ultrasound receiver with digital demodulation and decimation filtering, Analog Devices is able to minimize the data I/O and throughput rates and place less stress on the system processor. At the same time, by extending the anti-aliasing filter frequency range and maintaining a high A/D converter sample rate, we are continuing to help medical and industrial ultrasound equipment manufacturers meet the trend toward higher frequency probes and superior image quality.

What a great way to bring these technological accomplishments to the forefront - I really appreciate a venue that allows hardworking designers creating innovative products to showcase their efforts and there is some fantastic work here. I was thinking it would be really neat to do this at another level with high school kids. We already have science fairs and robotic competitions but wouldn't it be cool for sponsoring companies to help budding engineers actually bring their inventions to the marketplace?

Congrats to the winners in every category, and thanks to Rich, Al Schmidt, Jenn, Lauren, and everyone else who made it all go smoothly. Punya Prakash completely deserved the RES award. I admit I voted for her, but to meet her in person and see her gracious and inspiring acceptance speech was an amazing experience. I think we've started something big and I'm glad to have been there.

It was definitley a great night of celebration for all the winners and finalists. And the recipient of the Rising Engineering Star award, Punya Prakash, was so gracious and captivating in her acceptance speech. Congrats to all!

Manufacturing organizations have faced a growing challenge of delivering products on time and to cost over the past decade, as product lifecycles and value chains have become increasingly complex. Even in the face of constant pressure to drive down costs, globalization and competition have led the design and manufacture of any given product or assembly to become distributed geographically as well as across organizational boundaries in the extended supply chain.

The current generation of CNC machining systems has features that significantly improve metalworking operations from what they were only a few years ago. These machines are generally faster and quieter than ever, more resistant to mechanical noise, have powerful controls and extensive automation capabilities, and fabricate a wider range of metals.

As the lightweighting trend continues to be a driving factor in aircraft design, aerospace OEMs must explore innovative ways of meeting production demands while ensuring reliable operation of interior touch points.

Focus on Fundamentals consists of 45-minute on-line classes that cover a host of technologies. You learn without leaving the comfort of your desk. All classes are taught by subject-matter experts and all are archived. So if you can't attend live, attend at your convenience.